Intercultural Studies

Description

The mission of the Department of Intercultural Studies & Languages is to prepare students to love both God and others, extending God’s Kingdom incarnationally across all barriers (ethnic, racial, economic, gender, generational) focusing on unreached peoples and the oppressed and impoverished urban and rural poor. ICS students gain self-understanding, global awareness, missional passion & strategy, effective research, communication and teaching skills through integration of theory and practice learning as they serve in ethnic communities both local and international. ICS alumni work in a wide range of careers: international & U.S. missions, international education, the local church, urban ministries, not-for-profit organizations, child welfare ministries and international relief development. Graduate study for ICS alumni has successfully included: intercultural studies, TEFL, theology, linguistics, social work, organizational leadership, education, public health, marriage and family counseling and individual counseling.

The ICS Department presents students with curricular programs designed to accomplish the following objectives:

Students will gain a greater understanding and love for God, others, and themselves;

Students will gain a broader understanding of the world, becoming successful language and culture learners through integrating theory and real world experience in intercultural service learning settings;

Students will gain a biblical, theological, historical, strategic and practical understanding of world missions, developing the ability to share the Good News, disciple, and mentor others;

Students will become skilled communicators in their own culture and be able to effectively live, research and communicate across cultures.

Tracks in the Intercultural Studies major:Intercultural Studies (ICS) majors may select one of the six tracks below as part of their ICS program:

The International Development Track offers students an opportunity to prepare for overseas service through humanitarian endeavors, especially among the poor and oppressed. This track focuses on holistic relief and development ministries and specifically addresses the contemporary issues of injustice such as: HIV/AIDS, human trafficking, poverty and children & youth in crises.

This track prepares students to minister among Muslims. There is a great need for individuals to serve people groups and cultures of the Islamic faith. North Central University has a rich tradition of preparing missionaries for service in these areas, and this track is specifically designed to engage culture and language in such a way as to enhance the spread of the Gospel among Muslim peoples.

In many regions of the world, especially in the less evangelized regions, missionaries generally cannot gain entrance. However, the world-wide demand for English has created a market for those who wish to minister by teaching English. This program is designed for an individual who wants to teach English overseas to speakers of other languages.

The World Missions track provides preparation for the traditional missionary career path through Assemblies of God World Missions (AGWM) including pursuing a license to preach in the A/G, with a focus on unreached people groups.